Today, May 21st, marked the opening of the XII International Congress "Sanatorium-Resort Treatment."

At the solemn opening ceremony of the Congress, participants were welcomed by: Zhanna Chefranova, First Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy, Badma Bashankaev, First Deputy Chairperson of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection, Ekaterina Karakulina, Director of the Department for Organization of Medical Care and Sanatorium-Resort Affairs of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Boris Alexandrov, Acting General Director of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Institute of Quality" of Roszdravnadzor, and Oksana Drapkina, Director of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Medical Research Center of Therapy and Preventive Medicine" of the Ministry of Health of Russia.

The scientific program set the direction for integrating balneology with modern medical trends. Within the sessions, current trends in regenerative and translational medicine, biotechnologies for active longevity, and approaches to personalized correction of aging processes using natural therapeutic factors were presented. Special attention was paid to the formation of an evidence base for sanatorium-resort treatment. Experts discussed the clinical effectiveness of balneotherapy, standardization of methods, and prospects for including natural therapeutic resources in clinical guidelines. The practical part of the program was dedicated to the exchange of clinical experience – from the treatment of cardiovascular diseases to the comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with injuries. A significant block addressed issues of medical and psychological rehabilitation of participants of the Special Military Operation, including modern approaches to prosthetics and recovery. In parallel, specialized sessions were held dedicated to pediatric resort medicine, family-oriented programs, and geriatric rehabilitation, reflecting the development of personalized approaches to treating patients of different age groups. The management block examined economic and organizational aspects of the industry's development: changes in the Compulsory Medical Insurance system, the development of medical tourism, marketing issues, as well as the implementation of quality management systems and lean technologies. Special attention was paid to customer-centricity. Experts discussed the transformation of patient expectations, the development of a service model for sanatorium and resort organizations, and the implementation of digital tools to improve the quality of patient interaction.

The first day of the Congress demonstrated that the sanatorium and resort industry in Russia is undergoing a transformation and is forming a new development model – at the intersection of science, clinical practice, service approaches, and health economics.